On a cold January morning in 2015, the quiet community of Rembert, South Carolina, was disturbed by what initially appeared to be a single-car accident. First responders discovered 65-year-old Johnny Singleton deceased behind the wheel of his vehicle along Highway 521. However, the grim reality of the situation soon came to light as an autopsy revealed that Singleton had not died from injuries sustained in the crash, but from a fatal gunshot wound.
This discovery transformed a routine accident investigation into a homicide case.
The Sumter County Sheriff's Office quickly took the lead in the investigation. Their efforts led them to 21-year-old Matthew Cory Dwyer of Sumter. Investigators determined that Dwyer was present in Singleton's vehicle at the time of the shooting and had intentionally fired the weapon. Just over a week after Singleton's body was found, Dwyer was taken into custody at his residence without incident. He was subsequently charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. The initial motive for the killing was believed to be robbery.
Following his arrest, Matthew Cory Dwyer faced a trial for the murder of Johnny Singleton. During the legal proceedings, his defense team put forward a claim of self-defense. However, the prosecution's case was apparently strong enough to convince a jury of his guilt. Dwyer was ultimately convicted of the murder.
The conviction did not mark the end of the legal battle. In 2023, Dwyer's case was the subject of a South Carolina Court of Appeals decision, which reviewed a post-conviction relief matter. This appeal centered on the effectiveness of his trial counsel, specifically concerning advice given to Dwyer about whether or not he should testify in his own defense, particularly in light of a letter he had written attempting to establish a false alibi. The appellate court ultimately affirmed the lower court's decision in the matter, keeping the original conviction intact. Matthew Cory Dwyer is currently incarcerated, serving his sentence for the murder of Johnny Singleton.
